Carson's Will Open Additional Location In The Fall

Family-owned restaurant chain Carson's, the Place For Ribs, was founded roughly 40 years ago in Skokie. And, it's currently working toward hitting it big with the residents of Streeterville. Dean Carson, the owner of Carson's and the son of its founder, said the company recently took over Quay space along E. Illinois St.

Carson has hopes to open an additional Carson's Chicago location by Oct. 1 - the first one in 30 years. The chain, which is still located at the River North location, had restaurants throughout Chicago and its suburbs. It also opened restaurants in Arizona and Florida. Milwaukee also saw its first Carson's open in 2013.

Carson said the restaurant might shock people, but cautioned the food would still be the same.

For instance, the restaurant has a simple recipe for its hickory-smoked baby back ribs, which don't fall off the bone. Carson's popularity grew for its ribs, which were once unique items in Chicago. Today, ribs can be found anywhere and everywhere with more and more barbecue locations opening up.

Carson feels the Streeterville location is going to help boost visibility for the brand. He said the new location is a comeback after its association with Boston Blackie's chain of burger restaurants that was caught in a cash-checking scheme. Carson said some Blackie's restaurants were using Carson's ribs and various items because there was a family connection.

The 60-year-old said he was happy about this new restaurant, and feels it's a chance to show customers Carson's can grow and modernize. He said customers will still get the supper club atmosphere. He said carry-out customers could heat their au gratin potatoes up at home, but realized not everyone wanted to do this. Carson said this practice has been cut out.

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